What to look for in a home inspection

Before the closing of a house, a home inspection can find any areas that need repair. Home inspectors have the training and certifications to inspect all areas of the house and the property around it.

Inspections are important, especially for buyers. If there are issues, the seller can fix them before closing, the buyer may ask for a price reduction or, if the problem is major, the buyer may be able to walk away from the deal.

Do-it-yourself inspection

For sellers, SF Gate discusses that doing a home inspection before the professional one may help find issues to fix ahead of time, and it helps avoid surprises. The exterior of the home is one place that may need improvement. Clear the gutters, seal asphalt driveways, caulk windows and check decks and fences for damage.

For interior inspections, start at the lower levels and move upward. Look for cracks in the walls, leaks, loose tiles and exposed nails. Check for leaky faucets and slow draining in the kitchen and bathrooms and clean the filters and vents of the HVAC unit.

Professional home inspection

The Architectural Digest outlines key items home buyers should pay attention to on the professional inspection report. The summary is the first place to look, as it lists the main recommendations. These may include mold, electrical issues and a leaky roof.

Buyers should understand what issues cost the most money. Red flags include malfunctioning major appliances, HVAC systems, water heaters and furnaces. Structural damage is also expensive to repair.

Some issues may require a specialist to investigate the severity of the problem. These include termites, mold and asbestos.

In old homes, issues related to plumbing, foundation, mold and termites are common. These issues are also seen in mid-century homes, which also may have wiring and rodent problems.

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